Vets who served anywhere else in the world during that time are eligible for a bonus of up to $500.

In 2009, Ohio voters approved a one-time bonus for veterans of the Gulf wars, War in Afghanistan and War in Iraq.

“A lot of times, veterans get overlooked. It's good to see we're making them important," Veteran's Services worker Andria Bryant said. “Veterans are not aware of what they are eligible for. It's great to put them in touch with their resources.”

Bryant added that applying online is the easiest method but that the application has to be notarized to be considered complete.

The Columbus Dispatch reported that family members of veterans killed in action during the Gulf War are eligible for bonuses of up to $6,500.

The Ohio Veterans Bonus resumes an Ohio tradition, dating to the Civil War, of rewarding state vets' service. Bonus applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31. Service members with questions can also call the state hotline at 1-877-OHIO-VET.